India and the UK established partnerships in research and education through UKIERI with an investment GBP.10 million :

Over 20 students from rural parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were part of this year's batch of 140 students who recently left for United Kingdom to pursue their higher education. At a reception hosted by Mr.Mike Connor, the British Deputy High Commissioner for South India at his residence, Cottingley, about 140 students were given fond farewell before settingoff to begin their studies in the UK.

Seshadri from Trichy who opted to study MBA in UK said, "United Kingdom's biggest assets of all - an education system that is one of the most respected in the world. One major advantage of U.K. education is its one-year Masters Degree for almost all courses - saving considerable time and money. Also, unlike those in other countries, most UK universities recognize the Indian Education system of 3-year graduation."

Kumar from Karaikal said, "We have many advantages in pursuing higher education in UK, including job opportunities. There are a wide range of opportunities available depending upon the educational qualifications, skills and competence of the students like the career development services."

Sharing her UK experience, Commonwealth scholar and London school of Economics alumnae, Samyuktha Rajagopal said, "The United Kingdom is a great place for international exposure that is increasingly becoming indispensable, no matter where your expertise and interests lie."

While speaking about the UK academic system, Ms.Rajagopal said, "For me personally it was a steep learning curve. Whilst here it is more about learning masses of information, I found the UK way is very much to draw out an academic opinion or argument from that mass of information."

Addressing students Mr.Mike Connor said, "The United Kingdom has a lot to offer Indian students and professionals. It provides them the opportunity not only to learn and work in a world clas academic and business environment, but also to meet people from across the world."

Mr.Connor added, "Through the UK-India Education and Research Initiative we have committed about 25 million pound sterling to strenthen our bilateral research links."

An increasing number of British Unversities and research institutions, he said, were coming to India to explore the possibility of working with the Indian Institutions. India and the UK had established partnerships in research and education through the U.K., India Education and Research Intiative (UKIERI) .

The Programing involved an investment of GBP.10 million by the UK Government over the next five years, with equal funding from the private sector, Mr.Connor said. Mr.Chris Gibson, director, British Council said, "With over 20,000 courses on offer in higher education institutions in UK, many of which are directly related to getting a job and can be completed within a year, the UK offers excellent value for money. Consequently a growing number of students, particularly from south India choose United Kingdom as their preferred education destination."